Information for
implant suppliers

New NJR Minimum Data Set (MDSv8) to be launched in June 2023

New MDSv8 data collection forms available to download on the website here from 22 May

We have been through an exercise to review the developments we need to implement to enable us to update the MDS and we are pleased to advise that the data entry system will be ready for input of the new procedures contained in the new MDSv8 forms from 12 June 2023.

Since the National Joint Registry (NJR) was launched in 2003, we have periodically reviewed and updated the Minimum Data Set (MDS) to ensure that we are capturing data relevant to contemporary joint replacement practice and can achieve our objectives to monitor the quality and safety of orthopaedic services. The last review of our data collection took place in 2017/2018 and there have been many progressive advancements in surgical procedures since then.

More information on the changes in MDSv8 and hospital checklist here:

Update of NJR Minimum Data Set forms

Uploading implant classification details

Some suppliers still have to upload their required implant attribute data and recognising the importance of this data, we kindly request that those hip and knee implants registered in the NJR component database have all the relevant data uploaded as soon as possible as the deadline of 30 September 2022 has now passed.

The NJR component database was upgraded to a new implant classification in 2020. This was a classification structure that was agreed and developed by NJR and EPRD with industry representation and, in many cases, required the provision of additional attribute data associated with each implant. Detailed implant data remains of critical importance to the NJR in order to support ongoing analysis and safety monitoring and we would like to pass on our thanks to those industry representatives who have now submitted the requested data. Some suppliers still have to upload their required implant attribute data.

We are pleased to advise that we have entered into an agreement with ISAR that this classification will also form the basis of the International Prosthesis Library. AdvaMed is supportive of the classification and of registry databases being completed with the required implant attributes. As a result, all industry implant suppliers are requested to ensure they populate the new classification with the required implant data.

Completion of the new classification will enable us to provide several additional reporting opportunities and other benefits including additional analysis from the NJR. This includes but is not limited to:

• Enhancement of NJR Supplier Feedback as upload will enable greater analysis opportunities within NJR reporting services. Some examples include:
  • Differentiation of the types of polyethylene, such as highly cross linked polyethylene and conventional polyethylene.
  • The ability to compare similar devices based on additional layers of attribute data, such as materials and coatings.
    
• Regulatory requirements (EU MDR):
  • The granularity of the classification supports device manufacturers with EU MDR requirements by permitting the NJR to produce standard reports at the appropriate variant level, rather than brand level reporting.
    
• Facilitates Registry classification harmonisation
  • Supports medical device manufacturers with global registry requirements for on-going harmonisation efforts between global registries to utilise the same implant classification structure by easing the burden of multiple registry data entry. The classification structure is supported by ISAR

Recognising the importance of this data, we kindly request that those hip and knee implants registered in the NJR component database have all the relevant data as soon as possible.

Later this year, the NJR will report exclusively against the new classification structure for all Supplier Feedback outputs – including both reports and data files. The quality of reporting that we are able to provide will be negatively impacted if this work is not completed. Implications for not providing the data might include:

NJR Supplier Feedback

• Comparative analysis is subject to all manufacturers providing data used to group implants. The new classification permits additional options around grouping devices differently for comparative analysis which may not be feasible with missing data due to the exclusion of NJR records in such cases.
• Future report enhancements based on a new range of possibilities will not be available for implants missing data.

Regulatory requirements (EU MDR):

• Standard NJR report production methodology changes could be limited and the reports might not be produced in a MDR ready format, e.g. construct / variant level reporting would be based on NJR implant characteristics at a more granular level.

Please share this information widely within your organisation as appropriate. For all enquiries and/or for support relating to this matter, please contact Edward Caton at: edward.caton@necsws.com

Launch of New Supplier Feedback System

As part of the new NJR suite of reporting systems, we launched our new Supplier Feedback reporting for Orthopaedic Medical Device Implant Suppliers on 7 June. This is part of our new cloud-based platform, NJR Connect – Data Services.

Through the newly available system, authorised users will be able to access individual manufacturer level data, reports, information and resources relating to implant usage and outcomes, by logging onto the secure portal.

The new Supplier Feedback system includes the following functionality:

• Dynamic Reports – view and interact with your own data using predefined filters.
• Static reports – view and download a range of Pdf and Excel document reports e.g.: Activity reports, Product reports and data files.
• Access to the NJR Component Database.
• Resources – access a list of useful supporting documents including system user guides and user training videos, as well as links to other NJR websites.
• Contacts database – search for other system users at the same company.
• The “Prostheses used in joint replacements” report is available from 30^th November to users with access to the Supplier Feedback Activity reports.

The Supplier Feedback services available are subject to a manufacturer’s subscription status.

Please click on the following link to access NJR Connect – Data Services.  The Supplier Feedback module can be found on the dashboard when you enter the system: https://platform.njrcentre.org.uk.

To get access into the system for the first time you will need to click on ‘Forgotten Username’ and enter your email address: if this email address matches the email address previously provided for the existing NJR Supplier Feedback system you will then be sent an email advising you of your new username. 

Once you have your new username, you will need to return to the log-in screen, enter your new username and select ‘Forgotten Password’.  You will be sent a further email with a temporary password which you should then use to log on for the first time.  You will be required to change the temporary password on first log on. Access to the Login User Guide is available on the login screen.

There is a Supplier Feedback User Guide available in the Resources section of the system, you can also find it on the left-hand side of this page.

Should you encounter any problems in accessing the system, please get in touch with the NJR Service Desk. If you are not a current subscriber to Supplier Feedback and would like further information regarding access to the reports or wish to review your current level of access to the activity reports, please do get in touch with us using the details below:

NJR Service Desk – email: enquiries@njrcentre.org.uk or phone: 0845 345 9991.

NJR component database

The NJR component database was upgraded to a new implant classification in 2020. Detailed implant data remains of critical importance to the NJR in order to support ongoing analysis and safety monitoring, and we are thankful to those industry representatives who have already submitted the requested data.